LAUSR

This study explores the role of representative bureaucracy in buffering the impact of adverse policy environments on immigrants' access to public benefits. Specifically, we examine whether and to what extent a more representative government workforce influences immigrant families' participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and moderates the impact of unfavorable immigrant policy climates. Analyzing data on 49 states from 2006 to 2016, we find that a government workforce with higher Hispanic and Asian representation within the public welfare area is associated with increased SNAP participation among U.S.‐born children with immigrant parents. This link is contingent on states' immigrant policy climates. Higher shares of Hispanic and Asian public administrators are associated with higher SNAP participation in states with a more unwelcoming policy environment. However, there is no similar association between the levels of Black employees and SNAP participation, regardless of the policy climate.